I've been using my DMR vaults for a few rides now and they are immense, so much grip, I use Superstar NANO's on my hardtail, after reading so many 'They feel like they're stuck to your feet!' comments about other pedals, I know what that means now after using the Vaults (with 5.10's), get some

A Platform Pedal to Rule Them All?

Burgtec's look a bit chunky. The Twenty6's were a find! Your mileage may vary, but having to wear 5.10 or otherwise specific shoes for the platforms defeats the purpose of platforms. You may as well go clipless. That was the turn off about going clipless on my MTB SS because I prefer to use the MTBSS not only for singletrack off road sessions but also grocery runs and days in the park. Any shoe goes. P.S. There is no best platform pedal just like there is no best tire. Lots of variables, your mileage may vary.

Burgtec look chunky for me thats what I like but still very comparable to most, for me I like the more industrial look than the flashy looks of t6 and some others but thats a personal thing and an experience thing, Ive had my fair share of flats to find what suits me.

This is what I like most
Super strong axles for maximum power transfer from rider to bike
Dual sealed bearing arrangement for smoother running
3-Stage process on axle: plasma coating, nickel-plating, titanium nitriding
Axles made from the finest EN24 T steel
Fully serviceable every part is replaceable
Maintenance made easy. Simple design allows for easy pedal repairs

Probably not for everyone, DX or WahWahs Decoys etc are hard to beat on price for performance, but I trust these fully Ive never had a failure ever, can't say that about many.

I've used the DMR and they are strong but after now using the NukeProof Alum/Ti flats with removeable Hex pins...no contest. But it's all personal prefs too. These, as I said before are for the wifey but, (being a typical guy, I ride her bike as much as she does he he) I've used her bike in tricks and naff DH sections with great stability and flow. The pedals do not spin too freely so that when you need to leave the pedals, its predictable where they are when you left them.

they have everything i like on a pedal.
Just how good are they grip / durability wise?

Just had a couple of proper rides on them so far, but initial impressions are very good. I had no real complaints about my previous pedals (Wahwahs), but got the Vaults for a bit of extra bling - with regards to grip they are better than the Wahwahs, and they also feel very neutral and easy to get used to. They seem easier to "nail" the foot position on, especially when you get back on after dabbing or whatever. They give a more "cupped" (concave) feel compared to the Wahwahs - like your foot sinks into them a bit.

I'll have to get back to you the durability. They do give off an impression of quality. They don't spin very easily, but it's not like they noticably drag either. Off to the French Alps shortly, that should help with the durability testing.

I've been on the HT 11mm thick pedals for a month or so now and can say that thay feel great under your feet and have held up well so far. They are so thin that I have noticed a decrease in rock strikes compared to other 'low profile' pedals I have used.
Super light too for being steel/alum, right about 375 grams a pair.

+1 I've got the AE-01 with Ti spindle and they've been awesome! Still relatively new, but 2 days in Whistler, 3 in Winter Park, and 3 in Telluride and not a single issue. Though they are paper thin, they still manage to have a concave feel courtesy of the long pins. I like them a lot! Well under 300g too!

I just ordered Syncros Crux pedals. The grip and bearing longevity convinced me after reading some reviews. Let's see how do I personally like those pedals.

Older Atomlab Aircorps were my favorites for long time, but I have to change those to newer Aircorps after destroying pedal bodies to rocks. The newer Aircorps with only bushings, no bearings at all, were dissapointment. After one week of extremely dusty conditions in Spain the bushings were totally destroyed. Seals were insufficient I think. I might try to rebuild those with some modified seals. Thought grip of these latest model Aircorps were really good.

hard to beat the thin feeling of the Canfield Crampons. You can really feel the push/pull effect this has on your pedal strokes. When using the tall pedal spikes, the spindle cannot be felt. This is a great way to lower your COG on your bike.

Just had a couple of proper rides on them so far, but initial impressions are very good. I had no real complaints about my previous pedals (Wahwahs), but got the Vaults for a bit of extra bling - with regards to grip they are better than the Wahwahs, and they also feel very neutral and easy to get used to. They seem easier to "nail" the foot position on, especially when you get back on after dabbing or whatever. They give a more "cupped" (concave) feel compared to the Wahwahs - like your foot sinks into them a bit.

I'll have to get back to you the durability. They do give off an impression of quality. They don't spin very easily, but it's not like they noticably drag either. Off to the French Alps shortly, that should help with the durability testing.

After a week of VERY muddy conditions in Les Portes du Soleil, I'm very impressed with the Vaults. Very grippy in the slop, and seem to have come off no worse for wear (except the color which has gone from the pins...which was to be expected I think...).

Interesting on how many re-branded Wellgo pedals there are, and have been posted. That aside, pedal choices really boil down to aesthetic preferences, and many will choose form over function. For me, I'm quite interested in that VP Concept uber-flat pedal....anyone know when that will be out?

Went back to the old Azonic A Frams (?) and find they're WAY grippier than the 420s.

Crampons are next on my list.

I used to use the 420's as well and agree, they suck as far as grip goes. Of course I didn't realize it until I tried some Deity Decoys which were great.
Now I'm on Straitlines which make the Deity pedals seem like the 420's.
Straitlines kick butt!

OP: Specialized & Straitline new platform pedals

Specialized 10mm thick platforms with needle bearings that are installed from the top of the pedal (silver plate) versus the side. Spare pins can be stored in the pedal as well. Weight 500g/ pair. Source: Sicklines

All of the ultra thin pedals coming out that make use of a large single bearing next to the crank seem like trouble. I just don't see this design working over the long haul. In fact, I have been riding one in particular for a while and the drive side keeps developing play and then making a loud clicking sound.
I think a pedal needs bearings on both sides of the spindle to distribute the load. The specialized pedal seems like a good solution.